Eagles Learn Tough Lesson in Costly Third Quarter
The Eagles struggled in the third quarter as the Blues pulled away decisively in wet conditions at Ikon Park. After staying level with Carlton during the first half, West Coast was hit hard after the break, conceding six unanswered goals and ultimately losing by 41 points in the elimination final.
Coach Pearce Highlights Carlton's Physicality
West Coast coach Daisy Pearce emphasized the impact of Carlton’s increased physicality and intensity in the second half:
“I just thought they lifted their physicality and intensity. For a 15-minute period or so, we just get knocked off the ball a bit too easily. That's finals footy and it'll be a great lesson for us moving forward.”
Valuable Experience Gained for the Future
Pearce noted that this finals experience will be important for the team’s development and future preparations:
“We just go back to the drawing board, try and really narrow in on a couple of things that are going to give us big bang for buck next year. A good starting point will be more strength and conditioning in our fundamentals. Just more work ahead of us.”
“That was the message coming into today. When you eventually get there and have success, it's these moments that make it more satisfying. You've got to endure losses like today and have experiences like today.”
Match Details
- Venue: Ikon Park
- Conditions: Wet and miserable
- Final result: Carlton won by 41 points
- Blues dominated third quarter with six unanswered goals
West Coast will look to build on this experience and make necessary improvements heading into next season.
Summary: The Eagles' costly third quarter exposed a gap in physicality, but coach Pearce sees this finals experience as a crucial step for growth and future success.